BWW Reviews: FORBIDDEN BROADWAY'S GREATEST HITS - A Revusical Spoof

If you like Broadway Musicals and satire, you will get all of it, in "Forbidden Broadways" GREATEST HITS", now playing at the Stage West Community Playhouse in Spring Hill, Florida.

My long time friend and colleague, Gerard Alessandrini, created "Forbidden Broadway", the long-running Off-Broadway hit musical revue in 1982, at Paulson's Supper Club in New York City.

It's a family-friendly spoof, of American Musical Theatre, that has been an ongoing, ever-evolving, production, not only in New York City, but in National and International Tours as well. In addition, there have been many cast recordings over the years. The production is a "dream" showcase, for musical comedy talent.

"Forbidden Broadway'S GREATEST HITS", is the "Best of the Best", well known pieces, from the multitude of selections created over the past 30 years by the genius of Alessandrini. And don't be concerned if you "haven't seen" or "don't know" all of these musicals, as the selections last only a few minutes and the jokes explain themselves. This is a fun and entertaining, satirical, tribute to Broadway musicals, its stars and creatives.

The set design by Myndee Washington, is a glitzy, stylized nightclub, with an onstage band, led by Carol Ballard on piano, Lauren Ballard on bass, and Steven Schildach on drums. Director, Myndee Washington and Choreographer, Miranda Griffin keep the "revusical" moving at a steady pace.

The cast includes Anthony Cromartie, Mitchell Gonzolez, Keith Meccia, Monalisa Patterson, Victoria Primosch, and Tori Razzano.

Some audience favorites include a tribute to Carol Channing, in every revival of "Hello, Dolly!", an aging little orphan "Annie", Mandy Patinkin's unleashed persona in "Somewhat Overindulgent" , and several winning selections from "Les Miserables".

Costumes by Myndee Washington were colorful and plentiful. The Sound Designer is Steven Schildbach and the Lighting Designer is Hailey Schubert. Stage Manager, Misty Hornsby kept the show moving smoothly.